Using Sheep to Combat Wildfires in Nevada
Federal officials in Nevada are taking a unique approach to combating wildfires by deploying hundreds of sheep to eat a specific type of invasive weed that often serves as kindling for the region’s big blazes. The US Department of Agriculture has released around 800 sheep into the foothills near Reno, Nevada, with the goal of targeting cheatgrass, an invasive species from Europe that has caused problems for the state for over a century.
Cheatgrass is a particularly problematic plant as it produces a large number of seeds, out-competes native vegetation, and dries out sooner, making it a fuel hazard earlier in the year. By having the sheep eat cheatgrass while it is still in bloom, gaps are created for native species, and the ground cover is thinned out, ultimately slowing down the spread of wildfires. Duncan Leao, program manager for the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy, explained that there have been instances where wildfires have coincided with the areas being grazed by the sheep, resulting in reduced fire intensity.
The collaboration between the USDA and the Borda Land and Sheep Company, a local sheep ranch, is mutually beneficial. The USDA has been running the program for about a decade, providing free food for the sheep while reducing the fire risk for Reno. Additionally, the ranch also sends flocks to nearby Carson City to control spark-prone vegetation.
Targeted grazing, such as using sheep, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of wildfires. Steve Howell, Fuels Specialist for the US Forest Service, stated that grazing helps keep weeds at bay, cuts down on colonization, and slows invasion rates. It also creates fuel breaks that slow down the spread of wildfires, making it easier and safer for firefighters to combat them.
Nevada has been plagued by wildfires, with hundreds breaking out each year. In recent years, there have been particularly devastating fires, including two massive blazes in 2018 that burned nearly 1 million acres of land in the northeast portion of the state. By utilizing sheep to control cheatgrass and other fuel sources, officials hope to mitigate the impact of future wildfires and protect populated areas from the dangers of fast-moving brushfires.
In conclusion, the deployment of sheep in Nevada to combat wildfires is a unique and effective strategy. By targeting cheatgrass and other invasive species, the sheep help create gaps for native vegetation, reduce ground cover, and slow down the spread of fires. This collaboration between federal officials and local ranchers not only benefits the sheep by providing them with free food but also reduces the fire risk for communities in Nevada. Targeted grazing has proven to be a valuable tool in wildfire prevention, creating fuel breaks and making it safer for firefighters to combat wildfires. With the devastating impact of recent fires in Nevada, this innovative approach offers hope in mitigating future wildfires and protecting both natural landscapes and populated areas.
